Workshops
At STAR, we are committed to fostering positive, safe, and inclusive environments through specialized workshops. Our programs are designed to promote mental well-being, respect, and awareness in various contexts, empowering individuals to create healthier, more respectful spaces in their personal and professional lives.
Our Workshop Areas
Each of our workshops is designed to actively engage participants, promote positive behaviour, and encourage a deeper understanding of respect and empathy in all areas of life. We offer workshops in several key areas, including:
Inclusive Spaces
We focus on creating spaces where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels respected, valued, and included.
Effective Teamwork
& Collaboration
We help individuals and teams develop the skills to collaborate efficiently, enhancing unity and achieving collective goals.
Consent & Respect
Our workshops promote the importance of respectful boundaries and clear communication in all personal and professional interactions.
Healthy & Supportive Environments
Our workshops guide the creation of environments that nurture mental, emotional, and physical well-being for all involved.
Breaking Barriers
We provide strategies for addressing and preventing bullying, racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination, fostering empathy and respect.
Building Positive Relationships
We teach how to cultivate trust and open communication, fostering strong, respectful relationships in both personal and professional settings.
Workshops We Offer
Our workshops cover a wide array of topics, including but not limited to those listed below. Each session can be fully customized to meet your specific needs and objectives. Whether you're interested in one of these offerings or a combination of them, we can tailor a workshop for your needs.
Addressing Discrimination
Gain insights on recognizing and addressing various forms of discrimination in different environments.
Overcoming Bullying
Learn how to identify and address bullying behaviors to create a supportive and respectful environment.
Mental Health Awareness & Support
Improve understanding of mental health and learn how to offer support in various settings.
Conflict Resolution & Mediation
Develop skills to resolve disputes constructively through active listening and problem solving.
Financial Wellness & Budgeting
Learn how to manage personal finances with budgeting, saving, and debt management strategies.
Team Building & Collaboration
Strengthen communication and cooperation to enhance teamwork and achieve shared goals.
Building Healthy Relationships
Discover strategies for building positive relationships through effective communication and active listening.
Stress Management
Our stress management workshop provides effective tools to manage stress and improve focus
Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
Build emotional intelligence to improve communication, decision-making, and interpersonal relationships.
Work-Life Balance & Wellbeing
Learn strategies for balancing work and personal life to reduce burnout and improve well-being.
Who Our Workshops Are For
Meet the Facilitators
Our workshops are led by experienced, highly trained facilitators who are passionate about making a positive impact in the community. Our team includes professionals with backgrounds in therapy, social work, education, and diversity training. They all bring their expertise and real-world experience to each session. They specialize in facilitating sensitive discussions, fostering inclusive environments, and equipping participants with practical skills to create lasting change.
Amanda Vigna
​MSW, Registered Social Worker,
Psychotherapist
Clinical Director, Founder
Amanda holds a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto and brings extensive experience to her role as a facilitator. Throughout her career, she has worked with a variety of organizations, delivering workshops and psychoeducational sessions for students, parents, and athletes of all ages. Her professional background includes working with multiple Children’s Aid Agencies as a Child Protection Worker and fostered over 32 youth in care. She has also worked as a School Social Worker for the Toronto District School Board providing social and emotional guidance to students, staff, and families through one to one support, classroom inventions, counseling, group therapy, psychoeducational presentations and workshops.
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Amanda's experience as a former provincial athlete and coach gives her a deep understanding of the unique pressures and dynamics athletes face. This personal insight allows her to effectively facilitate workshops that address challenges such as performance anxiety, team dynamics, and maintaining mental health in high-pressure environments. Her ability to blend her professional social work expertise with her athletic experience enables her to offer a well-rounded perspective on fostering a safe, supportive, and healthy athletic community.
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Whether working with students, parents, athletes, or organizations, Amanda is dedicated to addressing key social issues and mental health challenges by providing valuable tools and strategies for cultivating resilience and empathy within the community.
Shane Palmer
Operations Manager
Member of "Confronting Black Racism" team
Community Response Award Recipient
Shane is a highly skilled facilitator with a unique blend of experience and education, offering invaluable insights and expertise in his workshops. As a Black man, his lived experiences and professional background equip him with the perspective and empathy needed to navigate complex social issues with care and understanding. With extensive experience in law enforcement, Shane brings a thoughtful, measured approach to addressing key social issues, fostering safe and respectful environments, and promoting positive community relationships.
Shane has facilitated a wide range of educational presentations and workshops for colleagues and stakeholders, demonstrating his strong communication skills and ability to engage diverse audiences. His experience as a former athlete has shaped his understanding of teamwork, discipline, and the power of collaboration, which he seamlessly incorporates into his facilitation style to promote both individual and collective growth.
Having worked with the Parks and Recreation department at the City of Toronto, Shane has developed a deep understanding of community engagement and the importance of creating inclusive, supportive, and healthy spaces for all individuals. His commitment to diversity and unity is further reflected in his role on the "Confronting Black Racism" team, where he works to foster a culture of belonging within the City of Toronto.
Shane's dedication to making a difference has also earned him the "Community Response Award" from Toronto Police Services. His approach to facilitation is rooted in professionalism, empathy, and a profound commitment to equity and social justice, making him an exceptional leader in his field.